First Division teams receive P12, 500 grants

Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday October 9, 2013 22:07

No reason to raise dust: First Division sides will be mollified after they received grants and the knowledge that the winner will pocket P60, 000 at the end of the season. PIC: MORERI SEJAKGFOMO

First Division South secretary, Sydney Magagane confirmed to Mmegi Sport that the teams were given the grants at the beginning of the season. The First division league got P6 million sponsorship from Debswana in 2012. Magagane explained that the teams would be getting grants every four months.

He said that he does not have much details on how much the prize money for champions will be. Magagane said the First Division league will be meeting with the sponsorship committee tomorrow and that is where more details will be discussed. He said the most critical thing that is now left is for the sponsorship to be launched. First Division South teams have already played three games each.

First Division North acting chairperson, Setlalekgosi Gate also confirmed teams receiving the grants. He explained that the only teams that have not been issued with grants are Great North Tigers (GNT) and Sladden Eagles who are still to go for the play offs.

'The play offs will be played today in Nata and the best loser is the one that will be promoted to the First Division,' he said.

Gate said the play offs are meant to fill the space that was left by FC Satmos when it got promoted to the Premier League last season.

He noted that the teams will now be able to prepare well for the season and that will also improve the quality of the league.

Gate said the First Division North season is expected to start next week, adding that there has been some delays due to various reasons.

He said one of the main issues that delayed the league was a matter that was taken to the appeals board by Tonota FC. He explained that the club was complaining that their game against Kazungula Youngsters should be played again because it was disrupted through violence. Gate said the board ruled that the match should be replayed and the two played to a draw.

BFA Chief Executive Officer, Keith Masters said the winner of the league will walk away with P60,000. He also confirmed that the teams will receive their grants on a quarterly basis.The Debswana sponsorship runs for three years.